How to Improve Your Pool Stroke - No Gimmicks - (Free Pool Lessons)

[@cromwellfluffington1627]

I spent a whole month doing this drill. 100 balls 3 days a week. It fixed my entire game. Once I knew my stroke was straight my confidence in cuts, banks, etc. went up.

[@FXBilliards]

Very good point - this is one of those drills that makes so many other things in your game, better.

[@cromwellfluffington1627]

@@FXBilliards the simplicity can't be beat. The instant feedback you get is great. Thanks for all your hard work making these videos. Cheers.

[@nickp4793]

This is great advice. I'll build upon it that a high success on a long straight stop shot does not necessarily translate to success in a cut shot (or even a straight stroke during a cut shot). One must practice them all. For the same reasons stated in the video.

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff thanks for watching. I appreciate you taking the time.

[@LarryEarles-o1j]

Brian, you do tend to blow my mind. It is as if you have a hidden camera in my pool room. I discovered the truth of your lesson, on my own, and by repetitive failures when shooting actual shots. So I began to experiment with the condition and study myself. I soon realised a number of things that I would do differently but primarily I was not lining up on all shots in the same way and was thus changing my line of site. All of your lessons, so far, have been spot on for me. Thanks !

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate you taking the time to tune in.

[@alvinnarine1903]

I have to say thank you from the bottom of my heart Brian, I owe a lot to you my friend for the strait forward direct and truthful approach,for the past two years I’ve seen myself improve to a point where I have become stagnant, and now I am going to take your most serious piece of advice and get a proper coach to advance my game, the advice you gave to us on all of your videos it is priceless. You are a gem to us who follow you, I owe where I am now to where I was before thanks to your videos Brian you are the MAN

[@FXBilliards]

Wow, what amazing comments thank you so much and I’m so glad to help you guys with your game.

[@rodconner9079]

Can I give like 5 or so "thumbs-up" to this comment!?! : ) Priceless, yes!!! Congrats friend!

[@DerekIwasiuk]

Love this method. Plus its way more fun than stoking air lol. Started this with my 11 year old but on the short rail for now

[@georgecox140]

I just started working on this exercise, and it's the best advice I have gotten. Thank you.

[@FXBilliards]

Great to hear!

[@HikeColorado]

This is probably the BEST advice I’ve had in a long time. I’m going to commit to this over the next month and I’ll bet I improve significantly 🎱

[@MrEerwin]

...more great advice! Thanks!

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bammbamm12]

Reminds me of Moe Norman. He had a weird golf swing, but the ball went as straight as a string - over and over. Everyone said he had the swing secret - and he did. He hit 600 balls a day. (and he did much better on the driving range than on the golf course).

[@habs4life41]

yes that guy is me.. I am a beginner player ( entering my second season now) and I spend a decent hour hitting the rail and having it comeback.. this video was made for me lol thank you. i am obsessed with trying to get my stroke straight

[@FXBilliards]

Keep working to improve your game and if there’s anything we can do to help please let us know

[@nickbonvino]

The most important drill one can do! I went from making 5 out of 20 to making 17 out of twenty just by loosening my grip to the point of a slight slip stroke. Still need work but what an eye opener

[@FXBilliards]

Glad to help

[@CODlogist]

Hell of an improvement man! At my current level, I would probably make about 3/20 perfect stop shots without any cue ball spin after contact. Im sure there is something seriously wrong with my mechanics but I’ve been struggling to find a coach/mentor to help me out where I live. May I ask, how long did it take you to get that good? And how often did you practice this drill?

[@danathomas7870]

I watched your videos, and I needed to fix my game. I listened to what you have said and I started to think about my stroke…. What I was doing was not lining up my back leg with my body…. As soon as I approached the table I adjust my stance. Last week I won my match 3-0. This week. I won 3-0. Thank you for helping me.

[@FXBilliards]

Outstanding thanks for sharing

[@VictorCruz-qf8eb]

Great drill i use to do the diamond to diamond but looking at shooting the ball and have the cueball stay there with no spin is the best way to know how straight your shooting thanks

[@memlafeder]

This is one of the most important drills and videos I saw on pool game. Most amateur players like me, had this issue, cause we play just for fun. But at most games, even we knew what is what and how is how, we miss shots that even we are surprised ourselves. This video explains why. Basically, a bullseye "detection" video.

[@normanmack2368]

Excellent instructions.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevemiller1159]

I do something similar at the beginning of my table time, then again at the end for 10 or 15 minutes. It's called the Steve Davis drill, place the cue ball on the spot, shoot it to the far end with at least 3 cushions of power, this magnifies faults in your stroke. The goal is to keep the cue ball as close to center table as possible. Also watch where the tip lands after shooting, this can help identify stroke problems. Thank you Bryan, see you next time 👋

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments. Good stuff.

[@drsheelvarma7590]

Thanks Brian This is not limited to Pool or Snooker it extends in real life too

[@MitchTubeism]

Mighty X is a great drill. When I hit the ball perfectly I know exactly what that is supposed to feel like. I also know instantly I'm going to miss when it feels off. I wish I could get my other teammates interested in things like this - practice with a purpose instead of just knocking balls around.

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff- thanks

[@allentoney9112]

Love the video thank you. I am thinking about buying a table. I would love to see a video on what kind to get.

[@FXBilliards]

For at least half a dozen reasons, I will not be making such a video - but if you email me at [e-mail] I will share some advice with you. Put “buying a pool table” in the subject line

[@thegodofpez]

Great stuff, B. I’ve definitely gotta get my reps in. Sage advice as always! 🫡

[@FXBilliards]

As always, thanks for watching my friend

[@Robert-ln7yt]

Great video 🎉. Thanks. Practice real action that is part of the game. Basics until it's like tying your shoes....

[@FXBilliards]

Absolutely!

[@jdmikeg4]

A few months ago I was struggling big time with these long straight shots. It would either go crooked left or right, or the cue ball would always have unwanted spin. I found out my issue was my elbow positioning and it was affecting my stroke. I was able to correct this with a fellow pool player and by reviewing my own video recording of myself shooting pool. I can now pocket long straight shots consistently and no longer intimidated by these shots. I've reached the point where long straight shots are now very easy for me to pocket. I practice this exact shot every single time I go to the pool hall and shoot it about 5-6 racks minimum. I've reached the point where I now practice long straight shot but now with the cue ball frozen on the rail. It takes many hours and many reps to perfect the long straight shot but in my opinion, it is your most important shot. If you cannot make a long straight shot, your stroke is crooked or your aim is off. You must correct this issue before years pass and you are still shooting crooked. Don't stray away from this shot because "it's too hard." This is the best shot to improve your game otherwise years will pass and nothing will change. Good luck, fellow pool players and thanks FXBillairds, your videos have truly made me become a better pool player.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for sharing your comments and thanks for watching

[@CowrieConnect]

Great drill. I have a question for you Brian. One of my challenges is when the ball is slightly off of the rail. Any suggestions for how to consistently pocket this type of shot? Practice - of course, and... Thanks

[@FXBilliards]

@@CowrieConnect kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIPaXpaMr5VjldU THIS might be the video you need

[@Crazywaffle5150]

This has always been a staple drill for me. Making the ball is the easy part. Getting a constant, perfect stop shot at a distance is the challenge. I probably shoot 100 balls in a setting before work on anything else.

[@rodconner9079]

Yes Sir!!! Truths hurt sometimes (about the gimmicks thing!)... and bangin' balls without intended outcome/result will get you NO WHERE!!! As a youngster and if time "permitted" I'd go to a Snack Bar/Bait Shop (2 bar box tables); going out to town was 40mins one way btw! I'd asked to be dropped there while "things" were done and I'd shoot -- not a game ... but cue balls (it was 25 cents a rack and no money!). I'd take the cue ball from the other table and practice pocketing ... all under the intent of getting better! And THAT - I did! I loved the game and hated loosing ... : ) Because to play, it cost me a quarter which wasn't easy to come by either!!! Intent & Improvement -- repetition, do it till it's right and then keep doing it till it's familiar!!!! And if the tables were in use -- I'd watch to see how things were done. I love this game! Be Safe

[@Charles-cz1pw]

I do this drill a lot stop follow draw thank you Bryan

[@FXBilliards]

Outstanding- thanks for watching

[@brianmack6285]

This !!!!! There's all manner of gimmicks designed to help your this or that. Some are just as Bryan said, they're good diagnostic tools. For me a SightRite (?) type device was useful in vision alignment, but it isn't real life. I also found that any "aid" just trained me to be good *with the aid*. Putting the cellphone on a tripod and videoing myself was the best diagnostic tool. Unless you have voice control, get a $10 Bluetooth remote. FWIW the drill shown here is my go-to drill. If there's one thing I do in practice, it's that. I use a line laser to setup "donuts" from one corner to the other, spaced at diamond distances and have it. There's no aiming to screw up so it's all stroke (that's messed up).

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for sharing your comments and thanks for watching

[@suttonallen1]

I do the first thing for exactly that reason - to check my stroke when I start suspecting that I'm putting unintentional English on the ball or that I'm sticking my elbow out or something. If it's off, I have someone take video of my shot to see what is wrong. But that doesn’t fix the problem. It merely identifies it. Bryan's method sounds like a good way to practice the fix once you know what it is. As they say, "it's not 'practice makes perfect,' it's '*perfect* practice makes perfect'."

[@BROU-bb2uc]

Its all about shooting under pressure 👍

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching - you got it

[@nvpoolshooter]

Shooting the cue ball up and down the down the table is like your practice swings on the tee box. Feels great, then you stand over the ball, and everything changes.

[@bigbaddms]

I would also like to add, the speed of the shot greatly influences the straightness, and also that most tables are not uniformly flat all along the table. So that middle might be straight but it tilts towards the edge

[@FXBilliards]

Good point -thanks for your comments

[@Mike01212]

After my series of lessons with you my practice sessions are the mighty x, acid test and the two below, then continue with rotation 9 ball drills, thx for everything you did for my game. BTW…Dr J is still the GOAT…LMAO. Thx B

[@FXBilliards]

Ha ha I think Doctor J might even disagree buddy.

[@Mike01212]

@@FXBilliards I know, but it was enjoyable for me to which are conversation that day from pool to basketball,

[@richardclingempeel6111]

I always practiced on the table next to the women's restroom. My buddy alway would lose his mind during matches when people would walk passed the table when he was shooting. I told him to practice on the table at the ladies room, and that would help him. They are in and out so much, I don't even see them anymore. I'm focused on the table. This is at a moose lodge.

[@TomChenLife]

Interesting…before this video dropped, I was doing this as my drill to improve my stroke and have recommended it to a lot of my friends. Same advice, start with CB / OB closer together and then further and further apart. Once you KNOW your stroke / aim is true, all other shots are easier.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it helped!

[@chadlee2526]

for those of us who don't own a table how do you mark a table to do drills without sticking something on the table?

[@FXBilliards]

I do drills all the time and almost NEVER put any stickers on my table. I don’t even have spots showing where the rack goes. There is no need to mark spots to do drills. And by the way, you would be amazed at how many pro players don’t have their own tables MANY don’t live in a house larger enough to support a Pool table.(professional pool does not pay well) And they’re doing drills every day.

[@stevenspencer8143]

Excellent lesson and advice, Bryan. Thanks again for all you do.

[@FXBilliards]

My pleasure!

[@Xaviercovers]

You’re an excellent teacher, thank you sir 🫡

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you for your comments and thank you very much for watching.

[@FXBilliards]

HEY GANG: FOLLOW FX Billiards on Instagram: instagram.com/fxbilliards/

[@tiendoan6417]

I dont have the space to put a table in my home, so I can only buy a 4 foot table with 1.5 inches toy balls, its better than no pool at all, and I use fractional aiming so its help train my eyes a bit. I really wish one day i can get a bigger table lol. I didnt even buy expensive equipment just a good $80 mcdermott cue. It shoot straight and a pro taper 13mm. Tables so expensive nowadays

[@FXBilliards]

We do what we can. My first table was a small mail order table that I had to put together myself, and it was never level. But I spent many hours on it in my teens.

[@chadlee2526]

I just had an instructor yesterday tell me to shoot a stripe (with the stripe vertical) and try to keep it straight with no wobble

[@FXBilliards]

Yes, that’s a very 1985 approach to stroke.

[@NH_RSA__]

Safety? Shoot the cue ball directly into the corner pocket? Are you playing bar rules?

[@FXBilliards]

Hope you’re subscribing because you may have an awful lot to learn- there are at least a half dozen games where you might call safety and intentionally scratch.

[@dalenichols7414]

Went to practice lined balls up in center of table did that for a while and this guy asked me if I wanted to play, let me pick game, I like 10 ball so we started turned out we were pretty evenly matched. Even though he had two sticks and a stick holder and told me he had about $3500.00 in the sticks. I have $75.00 Invested about 10 years ago LOL

[@balle4evr]

I had a guy show me this to help diagnose what the hell I was doing wrong, found out real quick!

[@FXBilliards]

I’m glad to help. I hope you are subscribing.

[@balle4evr]

@@FXBilliards you know it, been a fan a long time.

[@balle4evr]

@@FXBilliards you know it, been a fan a long time!

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

I do this drill every day.......

[@FXBilliards]

Outstanding! Thanks for watching and sharing your comments

[@normanmack2368]

Most don't practice. They believe just playing pool is practice.

[@FXBilliards]

Yes, those people are very good for business

[@3alexdan]

Perfect timing, just hit the basement for a little practice and FX drops one

[@FXBilliards]

There you go!

[@FXBilliards]

There you go!

[@bigbaddms]

So in other words, there’s no substitute for the real thing! Shoot real shots at real balls, not under a specifically engineered environment.

[@james1795]

I wish these old eyes were 60 years younger.

[@FXBilliards]

You’ve got options, buddy - glasses surgery bar boxes.

[@james1795]

@FXBilliards Nope, buddy. Have done em all. You haven't experienced yet what it's like.

[@chadlee2526]

i know people who play bar rules where scratching is a safety shot